NETLS
NEWS
NORTHEAST TEXAS
LIBRARY SYSTEM NEWSLETTER #134
Dec. 2003/Jan./Feb. 2004
Online Newsletter Subscription Renewal
During my time as NETLS Coordinator we have added 18 new members. We have seen numerous library buildings renovated, expanded or replaced with new facilities. In terms of services offered we’ve seen all of our members move into the electronic age and onto the Internet. The libraries in this region are connected to the world and bring a vast array of resources to their patrons.
I have been encouraged by your participation in NETLS activities such as training and workshops. I am proud to say that I have been the Coordinator of the Northeast Texas Library System. I’m proud of the NETLS staff and the small part we have played in providing opportunities for the membership.
I will leave this position with mixed emotions. Excited about the challenges I will face in my new position, but sad to leave my many friends. I know that this system will continue to prosper and grow because the membership has demonstrated their commitment to providing quality service to their patrons and communities. I know that the system will prosper because the membership is involved and have high expectations for the staff.
I know that the Coordinator position will attract many qualified candidates and that the committee formed to select a new coordinator will choose wisely for their fellow members. I will think of you often and make an effort to visit when possible. Thanks for the opportunity to serve. It has been a pleasure.
Spring Membership Meeting in Sherman
The third Membership Meeting of the SFY2004 will be held Mon., Mar. 29 at
the Sherman Municipal Ballroom in Sherman.
In addition to the usual activities and learning opportunities, there will be an afternoon farewell celebration for Dale Fleeger, as he leaves NETLS to become the Director of Library Services for Weatherford, in Parker County. Lunch will be catered by Vitina’s Deli Delights in Sherman. Please make plans to join us in celebrating Dale’s years of service and commitment to the members of NETLS.
Detailed information on the meeting, a luncheon reservation form, and a map to the meeting location is posted on the NETLS Web site <http://www.netls.org>.
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT
% 2004 Texas Bluebonnet Award
Bildner, Phil. Shoeless Joe
and Black Betsy. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2002.
% 2004 Newbery Medal
DiCamillo, Kate. The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread. Candlewick Press, 2003.
& 2004 Newbery Honor Books
Henkes, Kevin. Olive’s Ocean. Greenwillow Books, 2003.
Murphy, Jim. An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793. Clarion Books, 2003.
% 2004 Caldecott Medal
Gerstein, Mordicai. The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. Roaring Brook Press/Millbrook Press, 2003.
& 2004 Caldecott Honor Books
Chodos-Irvine, Margaret. Ella Sarah Gets Dressed. Harcourt Children’s Books, 2003.
Page, Robin. What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? Text by Steve Jenkins. Houghton Mifflin Co., 2003.
Willems, Mo. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. Hyperion Books for Children, 2003.
%2004 Coretta Scott King / John Steptoe New Talent Award (Author)
Smith, Hope Anita and Evans, Shane W. The Way a Door Closes. Henry Holt & Co., 2003.
%2004 Coretta Scott King / John Steptoe New Talent Award (Illustrator)
Brown, Elbrite. My Family Plays Music. Text by Judy Cox. Holiday House, 2003.
% 2004 Coretta Scott King Author Award
Johnson, Angela. The First Part Last. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2003.
&2004 Coretta Scott King Author Honor Books
McKissack, Patricia C. and McKissack, Fredrick. Days of Jubilee: The End of Slavery in the United States. Scholastic Press, 2003.
Woodson, Jacqueline. Locomotion. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2003.
Draper, Sharon M. The
Battle of Jericho.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2003.
% 2004 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
Bryan, Ashley. Beautiful Blackbird. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2003.
&2004 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Books
Bootman, Colin. Almost to Freedom. Text by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson. Carolrhoda Books, 2003.
Nelson, Kadir. Thunder Rose. Text by Jerdine Nolen. Harcourt, Inc., 2003.
%2004 Michael L. Printz Award
Johnson, Angela. The First Part Last. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2003.
&2004 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Books
Donnelly, Jennifer. A Northern Light. Harcourt Children’s Books, 2003.
Frost, Helen. Keesha’s House. Frances Foster Books/Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2003.
Going, Kelly. Fat Kid Rules the World. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2003.
Mackler, Carolyn. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things. Candlewick Press, 2003.
% 2004 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award
Murphy, Jim. An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793. Clarion Books, 2003.
&2004 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award Honor Books
Cobb, Vickie. I Face the Wind. HarperCollins, 2003.
%2004 Pura Belpre’ Author Award
Alvarez, Julia. Before We Were Free. A. Knopf, 2002
&Pura Belpre’ Author Award Honor Books
Osa, Nancy. Cuba 15. Delacorte Press, 2003.
Perez, Amanda and Gonzalez, Maya Christina. My Diary from Here to There/Mi diario de aqui hasta alla. Children’s Book Press, 2002.
%2004 Pura Belpre’ Illustrator Award
Morales, Yuyi. Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book. Chronicle Books, 2003.
&Pura Belpre’ Illustrator Honor Books
Casilla, Robert. First Day in Grapes. Text by L. King Perez. Lee & Low Books, 2002.
Diaz, David. The Pot that Juan Built. Text by Nancy Andrews-Goebel. Lee & Low Books, 2002.
Morales, Yuyi. Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez. Text by Kathleen Krul. Harcourt, Inc., 2003.
%2004 Mildred L. Batchelder Award
Orlev, Uri. Run Boy Run. Translated by Hillel Halkin. Houghton Mifflin, 2003.
&Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book
Schyffert, Bea Uusma. The Man Who Went to the Far Side of the Moon: The Story of Apollo 11 Astronaut Michael Collins. Chronicle Books, 2003.
% 2003 National Book Awards
Fiction
Hazzard, Shirley. The Great Fire. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2003.
Nonfiction
Eire, Carlos. Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy. Free Press, 2003.
Poetry
Williams, C.K. The Singing: Poems. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2003.
Young People’s Literature
Horvath, Polly. The Canning Season. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2003.
Margaret A. Edwards Award
Ursula K. LeGuin
Distinguished Contribution to American Letters
Stephen King
% 2003 Nobel Prize for Literature
John Maxwell Coetzee
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Upcoming NETLS Workshops
Dealing with Difficult Patrons with CONFIDENCE
Registration: Mar. 15 – 31
Tutorial accessible: Apr. 5 – May 7Dealing with difficult patrons is a never-ending topic among staff working in public libraries. This course provides each participant with a basic tool-kit that can be applied to manage a variety of difficult patron situations. This is the second online tutorial produced in a partnership between NETLS and the Univ. of North Texas School of Library and Information Sciences.
How to Be a Fearless Frontline Employee During Times of Change
Presented by Pat Wagner, co-owner of Pattern Research.
Mon., Apr. 12 — QUITMAN PUBLIC
Tues., Apr. 13 — RICHARDSON PUBLIC
Does your job feel like a funhouse these days, but without the fun? Join other library frontline employees and volunteers for a practical and good-humored day about becoming more comfortable with change in your workplace.
Nuts & Bolts of Creating a Collection Development Policy
Presented by Michele Otstott, Director, Jefferson Carnegie Library
Tues., Apr. 27 — LANCASTER VETERANS MEMORIAL
Wed., Apr. 28 — WHITEWRIGHT PUBLIC
Thur., Apr. 29 — JACKSONVILLE PUBLIC
Fri., Apr. 30 — JEFFERSON CARNEGIE
This hands-on workshop is designed to assist participants with the creation of an effective, usable collection development policy for the library. Participants are requested to bring a copy of their library’s existing policy to “freshen”, or come with ideas to create an all new policy. An effective collection development policy is the foundation upon which a vital, community- focused library is built.
NOTE: Remember that you can register for all NETLS workshops online at <www.netls.org> .
Small Library Management Training Program
The Library Development Division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) has announced the dates and locations for Session III of the Small Library Management (SLM) Training Program. The topic for spring 2004 is Collection Development. Belinda Boon is the speaker.
Enrollment is open to all non-MLS library staff members who work at libraries that serve a population of 25,000 or less. A maximum of two staff members per library are allowed in the program at this time. Library staff members with MLS or equivalent degrees are not eligible.
Session dates and locations are:
· Mar. 29/30 - George Memorial, Fort Bend County (Richmond)
· Apr. 22/23 - CARROLLTON PUBLIC
· Apr. 26/27 - Corpus Christi Public
· May 10/11 - Groves Branch (Lubbock City/County)
· May 13/14 - Amarillo Public
Brochures for the session are mailed to eligible libraries. Library staff members may register online at <http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/workshops/slm3/index.html> .
To request additional information, contact Ted Wanner, Continuing Education Consultant; TSLAC; POB 12927; Austin 78711-2927; 512.936.4449; fax 512.463.8800; <ted.wanner@tsl.state.tx.us> .
College of DuPage Satellite Courses
In March and April, Texas library staff members will have the opportunity to participate in several free workshops via satellite as part of the 2003-2004 season of the College of DuPage teleconferences.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) has purchased unlimited downlink rights for the teleconferences so that these events may be broadcast to an unlimited number of library staff at any participating host site in the state of Texas.
Teleconferences for March and April are:
· Mar. 12 -- Web Filtering: Policies, Software, Staff Training and CIPA
· Mar. 26 -- Soaring to Excellence Series, Part III: A Professional Toolkit: Skills for Advancement
· Apr. 16 -- Reference Series: Joe Janes and Colleagues: Preparing for the Future of Digital Reference
All teleconferences will be broadcast from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central time, and all teleconferences occur on Fridays. Host sites are subject to change. Participants are advised to check the list of participating sites prior to each event, in case a more conveniently located host site has been added.
More information regarding the tele-conferences can be found on the TSLAC Web site at <http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/workshops/teleconferences/index.html>.
LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY
Gates Foundation Tech Support
NETLS Technology Consultant Jerry McCulley attended the Gates Transition Seminar held Feb. 19 at Euless Public. The seminar provided important information that libraries with Gates computers need to know. The following article summarizes the highlights of that seminar for library staff members who could not attend.
Libraries that own and maintain Gates Foundation computers (Gates PCs) should know that telephone technical support from the Gates Foundation will end in April, although the Web site developed by the foundation, <http://www.pacomputing.org>, will continue to be maintained. The Web site will remain accessible to library staff members to assist in resolving technical issues.
The goal of the seminar was to assist library staff members in maintaining the computers once that telephone support ends, by informing them of best practices, providing Web resources and recommending tools and utilities.
Ralph Buchan, trainer with the Gates Foundation, provided invaluable information. Library staff members were cautioned to check warranties on their equipment. If any parts do not work correctly, now is the time to take advantage of warranty coverage and Gates Foundation technical support.
As an example of warranty issues, the Gates PCs were equipped with LS120 disk drives. Mr. Buchan noted that the drives are delicate and many have been replaced. If these drives are problematic, library staff members may request to have them replaced with a standard floppy disk drive under the original warranty, and with the assistance of the Gates technical support staff. For questions regarding warranties or technical support, visit the Gates Foundation Web site at <http://www.pacomputing.org>.
Another issue of concern is the aging Windows NT 4.0 operating system. Windows NT 4.0 is not as efficient as Windows 2000 and XP.
Fortunately, the components of Gates computers are compatible with the newer operating systems. Mr. Buchan showed attendees how to upgrade their Windows NT 4.0 computers to Windows XP for only $8 per machine. Any non-profit organization with a Windows NT 4.0 license can request the upgrade CD from TechSoup at <http://www.techsoup.org>.
Techsoup will provide discounted software to non-profit organizations once every two years. This means library staff members should plan ahead and consider using Techsoup when developing or updating their library technology plan. Mr. Buchan suggested that libraries could request the upgrade through a Friends of the Library group or other non-profit support group.
Additionally, several software tools and utilities useful for maintenance were discussed. Two of these are notable, Symantec Ghost™ and Centurion Guard®. Mr. Buchan suggested using imaging software, such as Symantec Ghost™ to take an image of the hard drive rather than spending hours troubleshooting the cause of a misbehaving computer. The image of the healthy computer is saved to a remote location and if the PC fails, the image is reapplied to the ailing com puter to resolve the problem.
Centurion Guard® works in a different way. Available in a hardware version and a software version, this tool locks down the files and settings of the computer. Regardless of what damage has occurred to the operating system or other files, the repair is as simple as rebooting the computer. Through extensive testing, which included many forms of devious sabotage, Mr. Buchan reports that his test machine returned to normal each time it was rebooted.
In addition to software tools, the Gates Foundation technical support staff has developed a Web site with a wealth of useful information that will help with troubleshooting the Gates PCs. The Gates Foundation has also developed a public access computer security tool for Windows NT 4.0, available at <http://www.pacomputing.org>. This security tool eases the task of managing Windows NT 4.0 system policies and profiles. A similar tool for Windows 2000 and Windows XP group policies and profiles is now in beta testing and will soon be available.
For questions regarding this program or any other technology used in public libraries, contact Jerry McCulley, Library Technology Consultant at <jmcculley@netls.org> or call 972.205.2569.
Slow Internet Problems?
Research and recent comments from NETLS Libraries indicating problems with slow Internet connections demonstrate the need for a solution to this problem. There are different speeds for different types of connections, a fact which must be considered to balance Internet speed and cost.
Speed rates for different connections are shown in the chart below. Library staff members can compare types, speed rates and prices to decide what will work best for their libraries and what services are available in their area.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) speed is selected or priced based on user needs. The number 1.5 x 384 is for 1.5 megabytes per second (Mbps) incoming data and 384 kilobytes per second (Kbps) outgoing data. The number 768 x 768 would be a speed of 768 Kbps each direction. If a library’s Internet use consists mainly of incoming data for patrons retrieving information from the Internet, then the 1.5 x 384 speed would be the best and most economical choice. However, if the library’s main Internet consisted of large amounts of outgoing data from an in-house Web site (as the NETLS office does) then the higher 768 x 768 speed would be the better choice.
The next item to consider for Internet connection speed is the quality and size of the library’s firewall/virus-filter/content filter device. With a less expensive device intended for small offices or home offices that has a throughput speed of 75 Mbps with 150 MHz central processing unit (CPU), the efficiency and transfer speed of data would be much less than a more expensive firewall device with a throughput of 275 Mbps and a 1.6 GHz CPU.
These numbers become very important when added to the additional load for the CPU of having to inspect for viruses, and content inspection using a database for each byte of data that comes into the library.
Getting the correct connection speed and the correct firewall/content filter device may prevent slow Internet connection problems.
|
Internet Phone Line Costs (estimates) |
||
|
Type |
Speed |
Monthly Cost |
|
Dialup static |
56 Kbps |
$50 |
|
ISDN Dual |
128 Kbps |
$99 |
|
T-1 |
1.5 Mbps |
$500 |
|
DSL |
1.5 x 384 Kbps |
$89 |
|
DSL |
768 x 768 Kbps |
$129 |
Prices shown on these tables are approximate, depending on area local phone company and Internet service provider charges. Library staff members should note DSL charges for institutions and businesses are different from the currently advertised home service discounts for DSL at $29 per month. Additionally, the discounted home price is usually only good for 6 months or 1 year depending on the special offered. At the end of the introductory or discount period, the cost will usually increase to the approximate levels shown.
|
Internet Service Provider Costs (estimates) |
||
|
Type |
Speed |
Approximate Monthly Cost |
|
Dialup-not dedicated |
56 Kbps |
$30 |
|
ISDN Dedicated |
128 Kbps |
$150 |
|
T-1 |
1.5 Mbps |
$500 |
|
DSL |
1.5 x 384 Kbps |
$69 |
|
DSL |
768 x 768 Kbps |
$150 |
MEDIA
2004 Carnegie Medal Winner
The 2004 Andrew Carnegie Medal winner for the best in children’s video is Giggle, Giggle, Quack (NETLS VC2024) produced by Paul R. Gagne and Melissa Reilly for Weston Woods Studios. The program is based on the book by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin.
In this delightfully sly story, the humorous saga of Farmer Brown and his barnyard animals so gleefully explored in Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type (NETLS VC0241) continues. When Farmer Brown goes on vacation, he warns his brother Bob, who is looking after the farm, to “watch out for Duck. He’s trouble.”
Duck IS trouble. He has a pencil, a wide streak of mischief, and a generous nature that benefits all of his barnyard friends. Pizza, bubble baths, movie nights…everyone has a good time except brother Bob.
The Carnegie Medal was established with the support of the Carnegie Corporation of New York to honor an outstanding American video production for children released during the previous year. It is administered by the Assn. for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Assn. (ALA).
MetLife Foundation Reading America Program; Request for Proposals
Reading America is a national library-based book and film discussion program for teenagers and adults that fosters greater inter-generational understanding and communication, especially in new immigrant families.
Libraries of the Future, with the support of MetLife Foundation, is sponsoring the series. A Request for Proposals has just been released.
The latest grant will enable the program to expand to 30 new library sites around the country, while continuing to support the 19 sites that participated in the program in 2003.
The Reading America program was developed by Libraries for the Future in response to the MetLife Foundation’s interest in how libraries could be helpful in mitigating the tensions that often result from the differing cultural experiences of adults and youth, especially when young people are growing up in a culture unfamiliar to their parents and older family members.
The program is designed to use literature, film and the neutral ground of the library to stimulate discussion that positively affects the relationship between generations of Americans and immigrant-Americans.
More information on the MetLife Foundation Reading for America Program is posted on the Libraries for the Future Web site at <http://www.lff.org>, or by contacting Family Place Libraries Director Elissa Goldman at 800.542.1918, <egoldman@lff.org>.
Deadline for proposals is Apr. 9.
Shakespeare on Sale
Ambrose Video Publishing, Inc. is currently offering the BBC Shakespeare series at a significant discount. Until July 31st, all 37 titles are available in VHS or DVD formats. The complete collection is priced at $1,499 (DVD), $1,250 (VHS), or $49.99 each for individual titles. These programs are licensed with public performance rights.
This sale requires use of a discount code, “SHSS4”. When ordering, select desired titles and proceed to checkout. The discount amount will appear only after the code has been entered. Further information is available from Ambrose Video Publishing; 800.526.4663; <http://www.ambrosevideo.com> .
Online Guide to CD & DVD Care
The Convergent Information Systems Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has posted an online Quick Reference Guide for Care and Handling of DVDs and CDs at <http://itl.nist.gov/div895/carefordisc/disc_care/checklist.html> . The NIST is an agency of the U.S. Commerce Dept. Technology Administration.
The guide provides an 11-point “Do” list for DVDs and CDs and a 10-point “Do Not” list with an additional 4-point “Do Not” list that applies especially to CD care.
The Web site also contains a series of tables that give specific information on such issues as cleaning, storing, and the life expectancy of the various disc formats.
Classic Movies with Descriptive Captions
Through a partnership with Descriptive Video Service and the U.S. Dept. of Education, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) cable channel presents classic movies with description. The TCM cable channel is available through local cable television providers.
Viewers can activate the S.A.P. feature on their stereo televisions or VCRs to access the descriptions.
A complete listing of movies on TCM that include descriptive captioning is available from the Description Video Services (DVS) Information Line at 800.333.1203 or on the Web at <http://access.wgbh.org>.
PUBLICITY/PROGRAMMING
New National Library Week CD
New National Library Week 2004 materials are now available from the American Library Assn. through ALA Graphics and the ALA Public Information Office.
National Library Week will be celebrated April 18-24, 2004. The official National Library Week poster, mini poster, bookmark, and banner feature bright colors and all-inclusive silhouettes. The materials are available from ALA Graphics for purchase separately or in sets with special pricing.
Libraries can also purchase ALA Graphics' Library People CD. This innovative CD allows libraries to create their own customized artwork to celebrate National Library Week as well as promote libraries year-round. The CD includes design elements from the National Library Week campaign poster and bookmark, as well as graphics for page borders, web banners, buttons, stationery and more.
In addition to these materials, the CD includes customizable tip sheets in English and Spanish prepared by the ALA Public Information Office to help library staff members publicize National Library Week.
The materials utilize the @ your library brand and focus on Equity of Access, one of ALA President Carla Hayden's presidential initiatives. They include a sample press release, sample radio public service announcements (PSAs), a proclamation, programming suggestions, a sample letter-to-the-editor, and display ideas.
The tip sheets also are available for downloading in English and Spanish on The Campaign for America's Libraries Web site at <http://www.ala.org/@yourlibrary> . Click on the National Library Week icon.
To order, see the current ALA Graphics Catalog, call 1-866-SHOP-ALA, send a fax to 770.280.4155, or visit the ALA Online Store at <http://www.alastore.ala.org>.
Libraries are encouraged to let the Public Information Office know what they are planning for National Library Week. Library staff members are requested to send an email about their plans to <atyourlibrary@ala.org> .